What is the difference between an element and a compound?

An element is defined as a pure substance that consists entirely of one type of atom. This means that all the atoms in an element share the same number of protons in their nuclei, which is characteristic of the element itself. For instance, oxygen is an element made only of oxygen atoms; it does not contain any other types of atoms.

On the other hand, a compound is a substance formed when two or more different types of atoms chemically bond together. This bonding can occur through various types of interactions, including ionic and covalent bonds. For example, water (H₂O) is a compound composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. The presence of different types of atoms in a compound is what differentiates it from an element.

This distinction highlights the fundamental difference between elements and compounds in chemistry: elements are singular in their atomic structure, while compounds consist of a combination of different atoms.